Mini Sculpture

Requirements

1 motor to dynamically change a part in the sculpture

The motor be controlled automatically by the measurements of a sensor
1 human interference component that influences automation

1 Lego NXT Mindstorm for motion control
RobotC code
Analysis of the motion control behavior is to be simulated with WM2D

So, with these requirements in mind, we came up with ideas to build a design and made a Pugh Chart to determine the best design.

We decided that our sculpture would start with a long track leading to a light sensor connected to a motor and a track. When the light sensor detects a marble, the motor and track would move, connecting the marble onto another track.

Then, for the human interface, we used two touch sensors connected to a motor. When the touch sensor is pressed by a user, the motor will activate, moving the marble onto a different track.

Brainstorming

We brainstormed six potential designs and evaluated them with a Pugh Chart. The main design of our mini sculpture comes from two initial designs. The first is the Sensor Drop, which features a light sensor that triggers the motor to turn the track downwards when it detects a ball rolls by. The second is the Swirly, which features tracks with a helix design for the rails.

Whirlpool

Ball goes down a ramp where a basket catches the ball and drops down a series of swirls.

Mechanical Gate

Ball activates touch sensor, mechanical gate opens, and the ball ends up in the basket.

Paddle

Ball goes through two spirals and track, where it activates the speed sensor, hits the trampoline, and ends in a basket.

Sensor Drop

Light sensor detects ball, triggers motor to turn track downwards and lead marble to a new track below.

Jumpy

Ball goes through short track, hits trampoline to another track where the touch sensor is activated to catch ball.

Swirly

Ball goes through three spirals and track, while the speed sensor activates and uses the touch sensor to end up in the basket.

Based off our Pugh Chart, the Sensor Drop or Swirly design would be the most effective.

We decided to integrate elements of both into one design (Swirly Sensor Drop).

Programming Flowchart

Risk Analysis

Working Model 2D

IMG_3366.MOV

Scenario 1

If the light sensor is activated, the marble will roll down this track.

IMG_3365.MOV

Scenario 2

If the light sensor is not activated, the marble will roll down an alternative track.

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